Celtic's superiority will make it difficult for Rangers boss Steven Gerrard to complete his dream of winning the Scottish Premier League title next season.

That is according to former Gers forward Trevor Francis.

The Ibrox club made a distinctive improvement under Gerrard in his debut managerial campaign.

After consecutive third-placed finishes, the Teddy Bears ended nine points behind Celtic in second position and secured another season of Europa League football.

While Francis thinks Rangers will continue to close the gap on their bitter rivals, the former England international told Tribalfootball it will be very difficult to prevent Celtic from collecting their ninth league title in a row.

He said: "Well I think that since he's been there he's done very well. I like his approach very much down to earth and I can see how players respect, as they should do, what he achieved as a player over a long period of time, he was a very, very good player.

"I think going in there was a lot of work that was needed to be done at Rangers and he's been doing a good job quietly. He's certainly brought them closer to Celtic now.

"I still think they are a long way off, but they have narrowed the gap. I think that if we were doing this interview this time next year then I don't think I'd be saying to you that they are now top and Celtic are now playing second fiddle.

"I still think Celtic will continue to dominate because they have such an advantage, but I am optimistic, depending on the backing he gets from his owners, he can get do it single handedly, like he used to do so often as a player, but I think he will continue to improve things off and on the field and they will claw back to the gap."

Gerrard's influence on the Gers hasn't gone unnoticed down south.

The Liverpool icon is on Derby's shortlist to replace his former England team-mate Frank Lampard, who is expected to takeover from Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea.

Rangers can rest easy, however.

The Scottish giants were quick to publicly deny the reports, stating that Gerrard was fully committed to the club.

"Let's get one or two things clear. Our manager has not been approached and he remains one hundred per cent committed to the job he has here," the club statement read.

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